Researchers claim six million tonnes of worn-down tire particles are released across the globe each year & can be four times worse
Researchers claim six million tonnes of worn-down tire particles are released across the globe each year & can be four times worse
Tire rubber is four times worse for the environment than other microplastics, warns new research.
Imperial College London scientists believe reducing car tire pollution should be treated as critical as cutting car CO2 and exhaust emissions.
They warn electric vehicles may eradicate fuel emissions, but a persistent issue remains with tire particles flying into the air.
Evidence suggests these particles may contribute to issues in development, the heart, the lungs, the reproductive system, and worsen cancer outcomes.
Pieces of rubber can range from visible remnants to nanoparticles.
Some are so small scientists fear “simply walking on the pavement” could expose us to toxic tire pollution.
Regardless of size, tire pollution builds up in the environment because it does not naturally degrade.
Rain can transport large particles from road to river, allowing toxic chemicals to seep into the water.
Smaller particles, meanwhile, can become airborne and can be breathed in – minute enough to reach the deep lung.
Researchers claim six million tonnes of worn-down tire particles are released across the globe each year.
During the same time frame, in London alone 2.6 million vehicles emit around nine tonnes of tire particles.
The particles can contain a range of toxic chemicals, such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, benzothiazoles, isoprene, and heavy metals like zinc and lead.
Lead author Dr. Zhengchu Tan, of Imperial’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, said: “Tire wear particles pollute the environment, the air we breathe, the water run-off from roads and has compounding effects on waterways and agriculture.
“Even if all our vehicles eventually become powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels, we will still have harmful pollution from vehicles because of tire wear,” said Dr. Tan.
“We urge policymakers and scientists to embark on ambitious research into tire wear pollution to fully understand and reduce their impacts on biodiversity and health, as well as research to reduce the generation of these particles.”
The university created Transition to Zero Pollution, an initiative aiming to create partnerships between research, industry and government to build a pollution-free future.
Little is known about how tire wear pollutes the world.
The experts claim we must focus on establishing a standard measure for tire wear and toxicity.
They added researchers must figure out how to reduce harm to animals and humans by cutting back on dangerous tire components, and launch trials to understand the short and long-term health impacts of the varying particle sizes.
Strategies to mitigate tire wear, such as reducing vehicle weight and using advanced driving techniques, must also be deployed, they claimed.
Professor Mary Ryan, Vice Provost (Research and Enterprise) at Imperial College London, and a co-author on the briefing paper, said: “Safeguarding our planet and the health of future generations requires us to look not just at a problem from a single perspective, but to take a systems level approach.
“That’s why we need to look beyond just carbon and consider human-made pollution in all its forms.
“Electric vehicles are a crucial step forward to decarbonize transport, but we need to look at the big picture too.
“Some are concerned that electric vehicles tend to be heavier, which might increase tire wear.
“This is exactly why Imperial College London is driving a holistic, joined-up approach to sustainability challenges.
“We will continue to leverage the full strength of our research and influence to find meaningful solutions and help realize a sustainable, zero pollution future.”
Co-author Professor Terry Tetley of Imperial’s National Heart and Lung Institute said: “We are growing increasingly concerned by the impact of tire wear on human health.
“As some of these particles are so small they can be carried in the air, it’s possible that simply walking on the pavement could expose us to this type of pollution.
“It is essential that we better understand the effect of these particles on our health.”
Experts claim better systems need to be designed to prevent tire pollution, including new government and regulatory policy.
Produced in association with SWNS Talker.
